Body cam shows suspected car thief fleeing from police that resulted in an officer-involved shooting
By: An officer-involved shooting occurred on Thursday morning, August 17, on Rhode Island Street near Wyoming Boulevard and Central Avenue. According to the Albuquerque Police Department, the suspect fled on foot and has not yet been located.
Deputy Chief of Special Operations Mike Smathers from APD stated that officers initially made contact with the suspect just after 4 a.m. while investigating a possible stolen car. The individual “appeared to be painting the wheels of the car,” according to APD; he then ran away from officers and pulled out a firearm. A gun was later found. It is unclear who fired first or if the suspect fired at all, but police say multiple shots were fired on their end.
APD says no officers were injured in the shooting, but there was evidence that the suspect was shot. Police have alerted all the nearby hospitals in case the suspect goes in for medical attention.